Travel songs for expats – The ultimate expat playlist

Posted 20/02/2018

Author: Santa Fe Relocation

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Travel playlist

Moving and living abroad, regardless of where it might be in the world, can result in an unavoidable range of emotions. After all, having boxed up your life to move overseas away from your family and friends, or closer to in some cases, you are bound to feel an entire whirlwind of feelings, many of which you haven’t felt before. From thinking “what have I done?”, to instantly falling in love with your new life abroad, music is a great way to express your emotions, whether it is contentment, desolation or seclusion. Here at Santa Fe Relocation, we’re taking a look at the songs that help describe expat life and may bring you comfort during your new venture away from home.

Sting – “Englishman in New York”

An undeniable classic, “Englishman in New York” accurately describes how many expats have felt having made the decision to move abroad, regardless of whether it is for work, a lower cost of living or a better life. “…It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile / Be yourself no matter what they say…” Sting’s “Englishman in New York” ultimately celebrates being proud of where you came from, and conveys the message to not be disheartened by people who spurn your “abnormal” habits.

Guns n’ Roses – “Welcome to the Jungle”

Axl Rose undeniably wrote “Welcome to the Jungle” to describe his very own transition from India to the infamous Los Angeles. Although he cannot be considered as an expat himself, if we take a look beyond his fetched rock star lifestyle, the song itself is admissible to starting a new life abroad. The lyric “Ya learn to live like an animal in the jungle where we play” describes how new expatriate life can make you feel like you are an animal in the jungle trying to escape poachers, and the only way you can survive is to adapt to new surroundings.

Michael Buble – “Home”

When you live abroad for a long time, whether it is for a couple of months or for the remainder of your life, moments of nostalgia are inevitable. Although “Home” is more of a long song if we are completely honest, you can’t deny that it doesn’t capture that empty feeling of wishing you were back at the place you belong, otherwise called home. “Another summer day / Has come and gone away / In Paris and Rome / But I wanna go home…” Doesn’t it sound familiar? We thought so!

Elton John – “Rocket Man”

The lyrics behind the song “Rocket Man” depict a story about a bewildered astronaut who is ultimately torn between flying away to succeed in his career or staying at home in the arms of his beloved family. It’s not exceptionally hard to see how expatriates, such as yourself maybe, can relate to this incredible song, even if you don’t plan on flying to the moon. During the process of deciding whether to move abroad, you might have the same feeling. Do you move abroad for a higher quality of life and to partake in unmissable opportunities, or do you stay with the ones who love you the most?

Lynyrd Skynyrd – “Sweet Home Alabama”

Another song that truly captures the authentic joy of returning home is “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. What’s more is that you don’t even have to be from Alabama, or the United States for that matter, to recognize the indescribable feeling of returning home.

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